How can arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium affect childrens health?
The presence of arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium in the environments of young children is of particular concern: first, because children’s behavior is more likely to result in exposure and, second, because these metals affect the nervous system and, particularly, the nervous system as it is developing. The potential for harmful effects from these metals depends on many factors, including the amount of the exposure, how long exposure continues, and how contact occurs. Other factors include age, sex, diet, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health. Some symptoms associated with high mercury and lead exposures are tremors, memory problems, and changes in vision or hearing. High mercury exposures may affect a developing fetus and cause premature births, low birth weights, decreased mental ability, or reduced growth. Symptoms associated with high inorganic arsenic exposures are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and a “pins and needles” sensation in hands and feet. Lo
